In the results of a recent poll by Apartments.com, 97 percent of respondents said that crime rate plays a significant part in their decision on where to live when choosing an apartment.

As a landlord, you can attract better tenants and reduce tenant turnover (which will increase your profits) by taking measures to create a safe environment for your tenants. If you own apartment buildings, consider exterior lighting in all public areas, including walkways, elevators, stairwells, laundries, garbage receptacles, and anywhere else a criminal might lurk. Organize a Neighborhood Watch program and encourage all your tenants to participate.

Whether you own apartments or single family homes, install deadbolts on all exterior doors and make sure windows can be locked securely. Install pins in the overhead frame of sliding doors (or a charley bar) to prevent those doors from being lifted off their tracks. Re-key all locks when a new tenant moves in and keep track of who has keys.

For additional information on providing a safe home for your tenants, visit the National Crime Prevention Council website.

Jackie